Our schools. Our future. Let’s build it together.
Thursday, April 30, 2026 | 7:30 to 11:00 AM
Thermo Fisher Scientific, 5225 Verona Rd., Fitchburg 53711
Madison is growing, and our schools are planning for it. What our community invests in today shapes what our city becomes.
The 4th Annual Schools Make Madison Summit brings together business leaders, civic partners, educators, and community members for a morning that goes beyond conversation. This is where Madison shows up for its public schools.
Over breakfast and three hours of programming, you’ll hear from MMSD Superintendent Dr. Joe Gothard, keynote speaker Cindy Green, Assistant Superintendent of Strategy and Innovation on MMSD’s boundary review and long-range planning, and a live panel featuring the businesses and schools engaged in meaningful Adopt-a-School partnerships.
What to Expect
7:30 AM
Breakfast and Networking Connect with fellow civic leaders over breakfast provided by Thermo Fisher Scientific. Student musicians perform live as guests arrive.
8:15 AM
Keynote: MMSD Excellence Together and Building for the Future Cindy Green presents on the district’s two-year school boundary review and long-range planning. Madison expects more than 100,000 new residents by 2050. Where our schools go and who they serve shapes this city for a generation. Summit attendees learn the full picture first.
8:55 AM
Student Performers: Third graders from Randall Elementary share a Trinity Irish Dance performance. Students are the reason we are all in the room.
9:45 AM
Superintendent Remarks Dr. Joe Gothard, MMSD Superintendent and MPSF Board Member, connects the district’s work to the civic case for community investment.
10:00 AM
Adopt-a-School Panel Three business-school partnerships. Three different entry points. One shared commitment to Madison students.
Anana Elementary — Exact Sciences
- Corporate: Exact Sciences, Stefanie Berg, Lead Community and Employee Volunteer Manager
- School: Principal Chelsea Elliott
- Partnership highlights: long-term financial support, volunteers, handmade stockings, snack packs; also supports Madison Reading Project at Huegel Elementary
Toki Middle School — Illumina & Huffman Keel
- Corporate: Steve Caldwell, Associate Director Engineering Services, Illumina
- Corporate: Amber Burton, Marketing and Communications Manager, Huffman Keel Partners
- School: Principal Sheba Mays
La Follette High School — Ingold Family Foundation
- Corporate: Karisa Trudgeon, Managing Director, Ingold Family Foundation
- School: Scott Swanson Athletic Director
- Partnership highlights: Money Mini-Camp for all MMSD Junior/Senior athletes
Moderator: Josh Gustafson, President, Dean Health Plan by Medica
Show up for Madison.
Hear from the people building MMSD’s future.
Meet the businesses already partnering with schools.
Leave knowing exactly where you fit in this work.
Thank You to Our Sponsors
Thermo Fisher Scientific is the presenting sponsor and venue host for the 2026 Schools Make Madison Summit and an active Adopt-a-School partner.
Heid Music is sponsoring student musical performances at the summit and providing gift bags for performers.
Join us April 30.
Space is limited to 150 guests with a suggested $100 donation. Every dollar supports Madison’s public schools through the Teacher Support Network, Adopt-a-School partnerships, and endowments at all 52 MMSD schools.
Questions about this event? Contact Megan Ross at mross@schoolsmakemadison.org
